Flathead sheriff urges 'extreme caution' around waterways due to hazardous conditions

The Flathead County Sheriff's Office sent out a special press release on Friday urging recreationists to use "extreme caution" around local waterways due to high water, cold water temperatures and increased debris.

"Emergency responders have been dispatched to multiple water rescue incidents in recent days," Sheriff Brian Heino said in the release. "Current river conditions present significant hazards, including strong currents, submerged obstacles, unstable banks and water temperatures capable of causing cold-water shock."

He added that in the past several days, emergency resources from across the valley have been called upon to respond to numerous water-related incidents.

"These incidents serve as a reminder that even experienced swimmers and outdoor enthusiasts can quickly find themselves in dangerous situations," he said.

He said people should always wear a fitted life jacket around water, and children should be supervised closely near any body of water.

"Conditions can change rapidly, and what may appear to be calm water can conceal powerful currents, dangerous drop-offs and hidden obstacles," he said. "A moment of inattention can quickly become a life-threatening emergency."

The Missoula River Ambassadors, a group funded by the nonprofit Clark Fork Coalition that helps out recreationists with advice and guidance, also sent out a warning. They noted that the forecast calls for rain and lightning all weekend and that the Clark Fork is running at over 20,000 cubic feet per second.

"It's looking like we may hit peak flows on the Clark Fork early next week folks," the group wrote on social media. "These water levels are no joke. You may decide that this isn't the best week to start your float season, we advise holding off 'til flow rates have dropped. When you do decide to go out, keep a close eye on these conditions, keep your PFD on you, and steer clear of hazards in the river like bridge pylons, rocks and woody debris."

The National Weather Service has predicted minor flooding for rivers in the Missoula area this weekend due to an expected 1-3 inches of precipitation.